Faith Huey

The cast is truly what made this production so full of life, and Drake's performance lit up the stage with her glowing presence and incredible vocal range. She perfectly encapsulated what you'd imagine from a high-spirited teen wanting to experience everything life has to offer. Between the excited outbursts and outright pain and anger as she navigates tough situations, her acting had the audience emersed in the story and empathizing with her character. This is also Drake's first professional role, which you'd never guess considering her flawless execution and comfort playing Ali.

As one of the show's main characters, Philippe was a perfect portrayal of a tormented, defensive and lonely beast. His mannerisms were similar to a large cat as he crouched, pounced and charged along the stage, and paired with the incredible costume showing his two large horns and tail, an elongated spine and fur from head to toe, it was impossible to look away from him anytime he was present.